Here's some thoughts that I have - that may or may not be fitting.
Everything comes from God…. and returns to God.
Thus, there isn't anything that exists - that could resort to becoming a nonentity / a nothing.
Everything – that can be changed will become METAMORPHIC into something else.
All throughout nature, we see aspects of metamorphosis =
1. Change of physical form: a complete or marked change of physical form, structure, or substance,
i.e. - the overnight metamorphosis of the pond water - into ice.
Water – can change from liquid to steam to vapor to droplets and to solid.
2. Change of appearance or character: a complete or marked change in appearance, character, or condition,
i.e. – caterpillar into a butterfly.
3. Supernatural transformation: a transformation caused by supernatural powers,
i.e. – changing water into wine, a talking ass / donkey.
Let's consider how diamonds are metamorphic:
Diamonds are made up of pure carbon which has been placed under immense pressure for millions of years. The intense heat produced due to this pressure hardens the carbon.
Diamonds are made from the same substance that the lead in your pencil or coal is made up of. The only difference is that atoms are arranged more tightly in a diamond, which makes them harder.
The carbon comes from the mantle of the earth and some from the bodies of shells and other micro-organisms like algae. Most of the carbon is buried in rocks that are dragged down into the mantle due to continental drifts.
As we see above – who would have believed that clear bright diamonds were made from black coal, which is made from sea shells and seaweed.
In Genesis 1 – we find that the earth was unmanaged, without form and void…..but when God spoke….He created order from chaos and he said of the results – it was good.
In light of metamorphosis, …what comes to mind, is the two unique and distinct natures at war within each individual person.
Especially, - our corrupt, - old man, - body of sin, - fleshly nature from the first Adam, - that's an enemy of God, - that causes us to sin, - that needs to be destroyed.
But just because 'sin' will and needs to be destroyed, it doesn't mean it becomes – a nothing.
(A. ) We each have the 'old man' the 'body of sin' that is to be put off with his deeds and has to be destroyed.
(B. ) And we each also will need to put on the one 'new man' created in righteousness and true holiness.
The Scriptures speaks of 'Reaping what we Sow'.
While we do reap what we sow to a degree in the here and now….I also believe that the greater reaping of what we've sown will be in the ages to come.
If a person had never seen a oak tree before - and he was given an oak tree seed, an acorn ….there is nothing about looking at the acorn to indicate what a mature tree might look like.
But, when the seed is put in the ground….it dies…and the life that's in the seed begins to sprout, produces roots, stem and leaves.
And after a long period of time a mature tree is revealed that doesn't look anything like the little oak acorn.
James and Peter - speak of the fiery trials that so easily beset us, …..yet we are to count it all joy for them.
Huh,…. why count it all joy?
James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Our Temporal experiences, do not compare to what lies ahead, eternally.
2Cor. 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Now back to:
Everything comes from God…. and returns to God.
Thus, there isn't anything that exists - that could resort to becoming a nonentity / a nothing.
Everything – that can be changed will become METAMORPHIC into something else.
With that being said…. here's my point.
Is it unreasonable to consider, that all our myriads of sins, could actually become [metamorphic = relating to or involving a change in form, appearance, or character], in other words....that our sins, transgression, iniquities – could somehow become changed to another superb and astonishing form and then returned to us (at a time of reaping) in the ages to come.
Otherwise, …..really…. what is the point of all humanity living through this stinking mess of sins, for years and years and years.
Therefore, a child would have little returned….but a 90 year old person, would have much returned.
I see little difference if one is suffering a horrible pain from a nasty disease like cancer - or suffers from any number of sinful addictions that plague nearly every persons who has lived.
He who is forgiven much – loveth much…..TRUE …..but how many of mankind has even begun to experienced this?
Further:
If our sins return to God our Father…...then where do they go?.......what does He do with them?.....
We should remember, that all things come out from Him…..and will return to Him.
However,….as commonly taught]…. if our Heavenly Father does away with all of our sins completely by (annihilation / obliteration) – then He is without question….getting rid of Himself.
Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
1 Cor. 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
2 Cor. 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
Thus, since all things came into existence from out of God, then it follows that all things are of 'God'.
Peace my friends,
AJ
